Prefabricated building components

ABSTRACT

Prefabricated building construction using panel and connector modules formed of molded plastic material reinforced with glass fibers. The connector modules are elongated beam-like members having longitudinally extending open channels adapted to receive complementary ribs on the edges of generally flat panel modules. The connector modules permit the assembling of panels in any desired angular relationship and are provided with interior passageways constituting conduits for electrical wiring, heating, water and waste facilities.

O Unlted States Patent 1191 Moore Jan. 8, 1974 PREFABRICATED BUILDING2,756,464 7/1956 Clements.... 52/620 x COMPONENTS 2,142,305 1/1939 Davis52/582 X 3,299,595 l/1967 Munk 52/580 X Inventor: C y Maurice Moore,Richmond, 3,583,123 6/1971 Holmgtfill 52/618 x Va. 3,529,389 9/1970Wilkins 52/618 X [73] Assignee: Moorex Industries Inc., Richmond,3,203,145 8/1965 Raynes 52/22 x 6, Simon X [211 App! NOJ 160,037 FOREIGNPATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,466,467 1/1967 France.... 52/281 579,9264/1958 ltaly 52/282 [52] US. Cl. 52/11, 52/20, 52/79,

5 /90, 52/2 /309, 2/586, Primary Examiner-Frank L. Abbott 5 /589, 52/615Assistant ExaminerCarl D. Friedman [51] Int. Cl. E041) l/14, E046 1/10Attorney-Bacon & Thomas I [58] Field of Search 52/270, 271, 275,

52/284, 569, 576, 589, 615, 309, 613, 588, [57] ABSTRACT Prefabricatedbuilding construction using panel and 263 connector module's formed ofmolded plastic material reinforced with glass fibers. The connectormodules [56] References C'ted are elongated beam-like members havinglongitudi- UNITED STATES PATENTS nally extending open channels adaptedto receive 3,564,801 2/1971 Huerta 52/580 Complementary ribs the edgesof generally flat 3,368,473 2/ 1968 Sohda et a1. 52/618 X panel modules.The connector modules permit the as- ,385,l /1968 Kortz 52/282 Xsembling of panels in any desired angular relationship 2,950,786 8/1960Markle 52/263 x and are'pmvided with interior passageways con tin315461841 12/1970 52/615 X ing conduits for electrical wiring, heating,water and Sohns X a te facilitie 3,152,568 10/1964 Mayer 52/5823,608,260 9/1971 Eckel et a1 52/284 13 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures Pmmmm81w 3.783.563

SHEET 1 OF 4 /N VE N 70/? CLYDE M. MOORE 14 TTUPNE Y5 PAIENTEDJAN SHEET3 (IF 4 I 1 r I 1 III //vvENTO/? 6y CLYDE M. MOORE ATTORNEYS PATENTEDSHEET u [If 4 INVENTOR CLYDE M MO0A E EV ATTORNEYS 1 PREFABRICATEI)BUILDING COMPONENTS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention comprises, generally, modular components forforming building structures of different designs and comprises aplurality of similar hollow panel members of reinforced plastic materialconfigured to mate with similar panel members in edge-toedge relation toform large surfaces, such as floors, or the like. The invention alsoincludes elongated connector members for connecting panels or assembliesof panels together in angular relationship whereby essentially the sameform of panels may be employed to form roofs, ceilings, side walls,floors and the like, including interior partitions while providingconsiderable leeway and flexibility in designing the shape, size andcontent of a structure, such as a home commercial building or the like.

In general, the panel members are provided at their edges with channelsand/or ribs of special design adapted to mate with complementarystructures on elongated connector members to join the panels in anydesired angular or coplanar relationship.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view, partly insection and partly in broken line, illustrating a representativebuilding capable of assembly from the components of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2 through 14 are fragmentary enlarged sectional views taken onlines 2-2 14-14, respectively, of FIG. 1;

, FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view showing the manner in whichcertain components interfit;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view showing an assembly of panel members inedge-to-edge relation;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a representative panel component of thepresent invention;

FIG. 18 is an end elevational view, on an enlarged scale, of the panelmember of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of an assembly of panel members joined in themanner illustrated in FIG. 16.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS ways, conduits or ducts withinbuilding components, as

will be. more fully described later..'

Referring now to FIG. 2, numeral 10 designates a portion of a verticalpanel structure defining at least a portion of an, outer wall of thebuilding. An elongated connector member 12, preferably of glassreinforced plastic material is provided with a surface 14 mating withthe outer surface of panel 10 and shown as being secured thereto byscrews 16 or the like. The connector member 12 is provided with achannel 18 into which a flowable sealing andlor cementious material 20is injected to effect a weather seal and to assist in holding the partsassembled. The connector member 12 is configured to define an upwardlyand outwardly facing channel 22. The channel 22 can be said toconstitute one side of the connector member facing in a downwardly andoutwardly direction. A panel member designated generally at 24 isprovided with a hollow rib structure 26 generally complementary tothechannel 22 and seated therein to direct the panel member 24 generallydownwardly and outwardly. As is apparent from FIG. 1, this panel member24 defines a lean-to type roof for a portion of the building 2.

Throughout the description numeral 24 is used to designate each ofthe'panels referred to in each Figure whether they be vertical orhorizontal or employed as floor, roof, side wall or interior partition,since they are all essentially the same construction. Referring now moreparticulary to FIGS. 15 and 16, each panel member 24 contemplated bythis invention comprises a unitary molded structure of preferably glassreinforced plastic material configured to define a first panel 28 ofplanar configuration and a second panel 30, also'of planar configurationparallel to and spaced from the panel 28. The panel 30 has integrallyformed thereon depending hollow reinforcing ribs 32 and the edges of thepanel 30 are integrally joined to the first panel 28. Preferably, atleast two edges of the panel member 24 are configured so that theintegral juncture between first and second panels 28 and 30 areintegrally joined by means defining the depending hollow rib 26,previously referred to. The remaining edges of each panel member areintegrally joined by means defining an upwardly facing channel 34,similar to the channel 22 already referred to.

A cover panel 36 of the same reinforced plastic material is secured tothe crests of the reinforcing ribs 32 and defines the face of each panelmember 34 opposite first panel 28. The cover panels 36 may be secured tothe ribs 32 by screws, cement, or the like. As shown, those edges ofcover panels. 36 adjacent the hollow ribs 26 are turned upwardly as at38 (FIG. 15') and integrally joined to the edge of the second panel 30,as shown at 40. The other edges of the cover panel 36 are secured to thelower crests of the channel portions 34, as bestshown in FIG. 16. Thus,the first and second panels 28 and 30, and the cover panels 36 defineunitary panel structures of substantial thickness and great rigidity,capable of constituting vertical bearing walls or horizontalfloor-ceiling structures.

As is also apparent from FIGS. 2 to 14 and 16, the interior spacesbetween panels 28 and 30 and the interiors of the hollow ribs 32 arefilled with a substantially rigid material 42, preferably comprising arigid foamed plastic material of light weight, which serves to preventdeflection of first panel 28 relative to second panel 30, particularlywhen the panels are assembled to form a floor surface. Also, the spacesbetween the exteriors of the ribs 32 and between second panels 30 andcover panels 36 is filled with similar material to add rigidity andstrength to the panels. In addition, the foamed plastic materialconstitutes efficient sound and heat insulation. It is to be understoodthat all of the panel members contemplated by the present invention areof a type of construction described above and the relative positions ofthe channels and ribs at the edges thereof may be varied in accordancewith the requirements of the environment in which those panels are to beused. For example, opposed edges of a panel member may be provided withthe hollow ribs 26 and the end edges thereof may be provided with thechannel formations 34, or vice versa. Likewise, some channels may beprovided with hollow ribs on all edges and others with channels 34 onall or selected edges. It is to be further understood that, throughoutthe structure, when a rib on one component is seated within the channelof another component, the rib structure is preferably provided withmeans to hold the outer surface of-the rib 26 in spaced relation to theinner surface of the channel in which it is seated. As shown in FIG. 4,conduit means 44 are provided with an outer pressure-fitting 46 andcommunicating with the space between a rib 26 and the channel in whichit is seated, so that sealing or cementious bonding material may beinjected through the fitting 46 to flow along and fill the describedspaces, thus serving to seal the joint between adjacent components andto also provide a securement bond therebetween. While not shown in thedrawings, it is contemplated that upon placing a rib in a channel, themated components will be secured together by screws, bolts or the like,with sufficient pressure to resist and prevent separation thereof whenfluent sealing material is injected into the joint under pressure, inthe manner described.

Referring now to FIG. 3, numeral 48 designates a foundation membercomprising an elongated member formed by extrusion or the like,constituting a connector of the present invention. The foundation member48 is of hollow construction and is provided with a base 50 adapted torest on a suitable supporting surface. The top edge of the member 48 isconfigured to define a horizontally facing channel 22 which may besubstantially identical in all respects to the channel 22 shown in FIG.2. Throughout this description reference will be made to the channel 22on various different forms of connector members, and it is to beunderstood that all of these channel structures are similar. The member48 is further provided with integral means 51 defining a furtherupwardly facing channel 22 adapted to receive a panel or assembly ofpanels 24 to define a floor structure for the building. Also, thehorizontally facing channel 22 referred to receives the rib structure 26of an upstanding panel 24 constituting a vertical wall of the building2. As shown in FIG. 3, and other figures of the drawings, the upstandingor load-bearing walls defined by panels 24 are of greater thickness andmechanical strength than the horizontally extending panels or assemblyof panels. However, this relationship is not a critical part ofapplicants invention.

FIG. 4, as can be seen from FIG. 1, is a horizontal sectional viewthrough an exterior corner of the building. The connector member 52 iselongated vertically and is shown as of generally square outline andprovided with channels 22, on two adjacent sides, to receive upstandingwall panels 24 in the manner already described. It is to be noted thatthe wall panels 24 extend in directions at right angles to each other,are of similar construction and may be employed for internal partitionswhere an exposed corner is desired and the same connector members 52 maybe employed, where desired, to extend in a horizontal direction.

FIG. 6 illustrates a connector member 54 for use in those regions of thebuilding defining the eaves thereof. The connector member 54 ispreferably of hollow construction, as illustrated, to reduce the weightthereof while providing the desired mechanical strength and is formed todefine an outwardly facing channel 22 receiving a wall panel 24 and anupwardly facing channel 22 to receive a horizontal panel 24 defining anattic floor-ceiling member. The upper portion of the connector 54 isformed to define the outwardly and downwardly projecting surface 56terminating at its lower edge in a formation 58 defining an upwardly andoutwardly facing channel 22. A roof panel 24 mates with the channel 22in the manner shown and defines a portion of a roof of the building 2.The integral formation 58 further includes an upwardly open channelformation 60 integral therewith and defining an eavestrough or gutterfor the building. While not shown in the drawings, it is contemplatedthat certain of the upstanding corner connectors 52 (FIG. 4) may beformed with integral downspouts adapted to be connected to the channelformations 60 to conduct rain water or other drainage downwardly alongthe building. The interior passageway 62, shown in FIG. 4, may beemployed for such purpose.

As shown in FIG. 5, the roof panel 24 or a panel of an assembly thereof,defining the roof of the building, is provided with a hollow rib 26mating with and seated in a channel 22 in an elongated ridge member orconnector 64. The ridge connector 64 is formed with two of the channels22, one on each side thereof, and defining those sides of the connectorwhich face downwardly and outwardly therefrom whereby further panels orpanel assemblies 24 maybe connected thereto to define another side ofthe roof referred to.

FIG. 7 shows a connector 66 provided with top and bottom channels 22each facing in an outwardly direction and adapted to receive ribs 26 onupstanding wall panels 24 extending upwardly and downwardly therefrom incoplanar relation. Thus, the horizontally extending connector 66 definesa portion of an outer wall of the building. It is obvious, however, thatthe connector 66 may also be employed for internal partitionconstruction. The connector 66 is further formed with an integralformation 68 on its inner side, defining an upwardly facing channel 22for receiving and mating with a rib 26 on a horizontally extending panelmember 24.

FIG. 8 shows a modified form of foundation member .70 provided withillustrated channels 22 for. receiving corresponding ribs of panelmembers 24 similar to those described with reference to FIG. 3. Thefoundation member 70, however, is not adapted to rest directly on asupport surface but is provided with an integral formation definingbearing surfaces 72 adapted to be embedded in a concrete footing member74. Obviously, the site must be prepared and the footing members 74poured with the foundation connector member in place before assembly ofthe building commences. This same order of assembly is necessary for theform shown in FIG. 9, which illustrates a further configuration offoundation member 76 having the bearing surfaces 72 integrally formedthereon. FIG. shows an assembly wherein a floor panel 24 supports anupstanding panel assembly 24, with the floor panel 24 resting on asuitable support 78. As shown in FIG. 1, the section of FIG. 10 is takenalong the baseboard of an interior partition and illustrates ductmembers 80, likewise preferably formed of the reinforced plasticmaterial referred to, which duct members 80 define longitudinallyextending passages 82 extending along the base of partition panels 24.At suitable locations the duct members 80 are provided with opening 84communicating with the interior of the room in which duct members arelocated. A building constructed as suggested in FIG. 1 will include inits interior partitions and exterior walls vertically and/orhorizontally extending hollow connector members, past which the ductmembers extend. In the regions where the duct members 80 are adjacentthe connectors referred to, suitable openings are provided to establishcommunication between the passageways '82 and passageways in theconnecting members, to bedescribed, whereby heated air, cooled air, orthe like may be distributed throughout the building.

FIG. 1 1 likewise illustrates duct members 86 adapted to be placedbetween partition panels 24 and ceiling panels 24 to provide passageways88 for distribution of, for example, refrigerated air, for cooling thebuilding when it is desired to have the air issue into the respectiverooms near the ceilings thereof.

FIG. 12 illustrates connector member 90 having channel formations 22 onopposite sides thereof whereby to connect adjacent panels 24 in coplanarrelationship. Obviously, such connectors may be employed extendinghorizontally in a floor-ceiling assembly, or may extend verticallywithin an interior partition or an exterior wall. As shown, theconnector 90 as provided with the longitudinal passageway 92 therein,which may define a conduit for conducting cool or heated air to thepassageways 82 of FIG. 10 or 88 of FIG. 11. In like manner, thepassageway 92 may be so connected to associated passageways in thebuilding to constitute waste drainage channels, in which case suitableconnection to a sewage system is contemplated at the-lowermost end of apassageway 92. As also suggested in FIG. 12, the connector 90 may beprovided with adjacent passageways 94 constituting conduits for hot andcold water or the like. Wherever desired, openings 96 may be formed toprovide access to the conduits 94 for connection to the water-usingappliances in the building.

In FIG. 13, the connector 98 may be substantially the same as theconnector 90 of FIG. 12 but in this form, the connector is shown ashaving a large passageway 100 therein, preferably serving as a maindistribution duct for cooling or heating the building. Also shown is afurther passageway 102 which may be employed to provide vacuum outletsin each room of the building whereby a central vacuum system may beinstalled to provide vacuum for cleaning purposes in all of the rooms ofthe building.

FIG. 14 shows a further contemplated connector 104 which is also similarto the connectors 90 and 98, but in which a passageway 106 therein isprovided with means 108, such as a filler material 110 and a surfacemember 112. The connector of FIG. 14 will be employed in an assemblyofpanels 24 defining a horizontal floor or floor-ceiling portion of thestructure. The

passageway 106 constitutes a waste conducting conduit and the tillermaterial and surface member 112 are arranged therein to provide slopealong the channel 106 for flow of fluid waste materials therealong. Thedischarge end of the passageway 106 will obviously be in communicationwith a vertical passageway in an up.- standing connector member, aspreviously referred to with reference to FIG. 12.

It is to be remembered that when the connector and panel structuresdescribed herein are employed to construct a building, such as thatillustrated in FIG. 1, some of the connectors will extend vertically andothers will extend horizontally. Obviously, the building can be plannedso that horizontally extending connectors of the type shown in FIGS.12-14 will extend to and terminate at vertically extending connectors orother horizontally extending connectors, extending at right anglesthereto and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art how thevarious passageways in the adjacent connectors may be interconnected forthe desired communication 'therebetween.

As shown in many of the figures, after assembly of the panel andconnector components in the manner described, interior surfacing may beprovided, such as the floor surfacing 114 shown in FIG. 13 or theceiling sur-.

face 116 shown in FIG. 12. Likewise, interior walls or ceilings may beprovided with suitable surfacing as shown at 118 in FIG. 3 and at 120 inFIG. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the panels and connector members shown thereinin exploded relation may be considered representative of the panel andconnector assembly illustrated particularly in FIG. 7, but applicable toall panel-connector assemblies showing the connector and panels beingshown somewhat incomplete to facilitate illustration.

As already described, the panels 24 are provided with the hollowintegral reinforcing ribs 32 and as shown herein two such ribs extendacross each panel member at right angles to each other and they extendto and are formed, at their ends, integral with the respective channelformations 34 and rib formations 26. As shown in FIG. 15, the connector122 defines an upwardly facing channel 22 having an outer wall 124. Thatouter wall is provided with notches 126 positioned to receive andembrace the ends of ribs 320i the panel 24 mating therewith and toreceive the ends of either ribs 26 or channels 34 at the perpendicularedges of panel 24 mating with the channel 22 referred to. This permitsassembly of a plurality of adjacent panels 24 with a single connector122 wherein the latter is of a length to extend along and receive theedges of a plurality of panels 24. In like manner, the wall members 128defining horizontally facing channels 22 of connector member 122 areprovided with notches 130 to receive corresponding ribs 32 and/or ribs26 or channels 34 of the vertically extending panels24 mated therewith.

FIG. 16 illustrates the manner in which a plurality of panels 24 may bejoined togetherto define an extensive coplanar assembly of panels'24, asschematically illustrated in FIG. 19. It is desirable that transverse orend edges of panels 24 mated together not be in coextensive or alignedrelation to corresponding joints between adjacent rows of panels. FIG.19 illustrates how the transverse joints between panels are preferablystaggered. To permit assembly of the panels in the manner contemplatedeach of the channel formations 34' extending along the side edges of thepanels are provided with a notch 132 in position to receive the end of achannel formation 34 of a transverse joint intersecting therewith atright angles. It is believed the manner of assembling the panels in thisrelationship will be obvious. As shown in FIG. 19, a channel structure34 extends the full length of a panel 24 having its side edgeinterconnected by a transverse joint and the notch 132 thereinaccommodates a transverse channel 34 whereby both the longitudinal andtransverse channels may receive the rib formations 22 on a panel such asthe panel shown at A in FIG. 19.

Obviously, those panels employed to form the exterior walls and/or roofmay be provided with suitable exterior decoration, texture,configuration, or the like. While not shown herein, it will be obviousto those skilled in the art that certain panels or connectors will beconstructed to define window and/or door openings or framing therefor.

While a limited number of embodiments of the invention are shown anddescribed herein, it is to be understood that the same are merelyillustrative of the principles involved and that the scope of theinvention is limited only by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a prefabricated building structure:

a rigid panel member of reinforced plastic material formed to define agenerally fiat first panel forming one face of said panel member;

a second panel adjacent but spaced from and opposed to said first panelin parallel relation thereto;

said second panel being formed to define reinforcing ribs extendingthereacross spaced inwardly of its edges and extending away from saidfirst panel;

integral means directly joining the peripheral edges of said panels,said integral means, on at least two edges of said panel member, beingformed to define peripheral ribs extending away from said first paneland having side faces converging in a direction away from said firstpanel; and

rigid filler material filling the space between said first and secondpanels.

2. A panel member as defined in claim 1 wherein said filler materialcomprises a substantially rigid foamed plastic.

3. A panel member as defined in claim 1 wherein the integral means atthe other edges of said panel member are configured to define openchannels, substantially complementary in shape to said ribs facing saidone face of said panel member outwardly of the periphery of said onepanel.

4. A panel member as defined in claim 1 including a cover panel of sheetmaterial defining the other face of said panel member, said cover panelabutting and being secured to the crests of said reinforcing ribs withits edge portions, adjacent said peripheral ribs, extending to saidsecond panel in spaced relation to said peripheral ribs, other edges ofsaid cover panel being secured to said integral means.

5. A panel member as defined in claim 1 wherein the spaces venclosedbetween said reinforcing ribs, said cover panel and said second panelbeing filled with a filler material of substantially rigid foamedplastic.

6. In a building structure:

a substantially rigid elongated member of reinforced plastic materialhaving'side faces facing in different angularly related lateraldirections;

at least two of said side faces having longitudinally extending integralflange means defining therewith longitudinally extending V-shapedchannels outwardly of said faces and opening in a direction generallyparallel thereto and laterally of the length of said elongated member;

a pair of generally flat hollow panel members of reinforced plasticmaterial, each having peripheral edge faces, at least one edge face ofeach panel member having a rib integral therewith extending along andspaced therefrom, said ribs being generally complementary to saidchannels and extending into respective channels whereby said panels andelongated member define a portion of a building structure, said ribsextending generally perpendicular to the planes of said panel memberswhereby the planes of said panel members extend generally perpendicularto said side faces of said elongated member; and

means securing said panels and elongated member together.

7. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said elongatedmember comprises a horizontally extending member, said two side facesthereof being respectively on the top and one side thereof, said panelmembers being respectively, an upstanding wall panel and a horizontallyextending panel.

8. A building structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said elongatedmember comprises a foundation element and is provided with integralbearing means for engaging a support.

9. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein a third side faceof said elongated member is provided with an elongated channel, asdescribed, and a third panel member engages said third elongated channeland extends outwardly of said member.

10. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said two sidefaces of said elongated member face in directions at right angles toeach other, said panel members thereby being in right angled relation. 4

1 l. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said elongatedmember extends horizontally and said two faces are respectively on thebottom and one side thereof with said panels extending, respectively,downwardly and horizontally therefrom;

said elongated member having further integral channel-defining meansthereon arranged to engage a roof panel member, similar to said pair ofpanel members, to extend at an upwardly inclined angle over saidhorizontally extending panel member whereby said portion of a buildingstructure comprises a roof and cave portion thereof.

12. A building structure as defined in claim 11 wherein said elongatedmember is further provided with an integral channel formation definingan eaves trough.

13. A building construction as defined in claim 6 wherein said elongatedmember extends generally horizontally and said two side faces are ongenerally opposite sides thereof and arranged to engage said panelmembers extending angularly downwardly and outwardly therefrom, saidelongated member defining a roof ridge and said panels comprising roofpanels.

1. In a prefabricated building structure: a rigid panel member ofreinforced plastic material formed to define a generally flat firstpanel forming one face of said panel member; a second panel adjacent butspaced from and opposed to said first panel in parallel relationthereto; said second panel being formed to define reinforcing ribsextending thereacross spaced inwardly of its edges and extending awayfrom said firSt panel; integral means directly joining the peripheraledges of said panels, said integral means, on at least two edges of saidpanel member, being formed to define peripheral ribs extending away fromsaid first panel and having side faces converging in a direction awayfrom said first panel; and rigid filler material filling the spacebetween said first and second panels.
 2. A panel member as defined inclaim 1 wherein said filler material comprises a substantially rigidfoamed plastic.
 3. A panel member as defined in claim 1 wherein theintegral means at the other edges of said panel member are configured todefine open channels, substantially complementary in shape to said ribsfacing said one face of said panel member outwardly of the periphery ofsaid one panel.
 4. A panel member as defined in claim 1 including acover panel of sheet material defining the other face of said panelmember, said cover panel abutting and being secured to the crests ofsaid reinforcing ribs with its edge portions, adjacent said peripheralribs, extending to said second panel in spaced relation to saidperipheral ribs, other edges of said cover panel being secured to saidintegral means.
 5. A panel member as defined in claim 1 wherein thespaces enclosed between said reinforcing ribs, said cover panel and saidsecond panel being filled with a filler material of substantially rigidfoamed plastic.
 6. In a building structure: a substantially rigidelongated member of reinforced plastic material having side faces facingin different angularly related lateral directions; at least two of saidside faces having longitudinally extending integral flange meansdefining therewith longitudinally extending V-shaped channels outwardlyof said faces and opening in a direction generally parallel thereto andlaterally of the length of said elongated member; a pair of generallyflat hollow panel members of reinforced plastic material, each havingperipheral edge faces, at least one edge face of each panel memberhaving a rib integral therewith extending along and spaced therefrom,said ribs being generally complementary to said channels and extendinginto respective channels whereby said panels and elongated member definea portion of a building structure, said ribs extending generallyperpendicular to the planes of said panel members whereby the planes ofsaid panel members extend generally perpendicular to said side faces ofsaid elongated member; and means securing said panels and elongatedmember together.
 7. A building structure as defined in claim 6 whereinsaid elongated member comprises a horizontally extending member, saidtwo side faces thereof being respectively on the top and one sidethereof, said panel members being respectively, an upstanding wall paneland a horizontally extending panel.
 8. A building structure as definedin claim 7 wherein said elongated member comprises a foundation elementand is provided with integral bearing means for engaging a support.
 9. Abuilding structure as defined in claim 6 wherein a third side face ofsaid elongated member is provided with an elongated channel, asdescribed, and a third panel member engages said third elongated channeland extends outwardly of said member.
 10. A building structure asdefined in claim 6 wherein said two side faces of said elongated memberface in directions at right angles to each other, said panel membersthereby being in right angled relation.
 11. A building structure asdefined in claim 6 wherein said elongated member extends horizontallyand said two faces are respectively on the bottom and one side thereofwith said panels extending, respectively, downwardly and horizontallytherefrom; said elongated member having further integralchannel-defining means thereon arranged to engage a roof panel member,similar to said pair of panel members, to extend at an upwardly inclinedangle over said horizontally extending panel member whereby said portionof a building structure comprises a roof and eave portion thereof.
 12. Abuilding structure as defined in claim 11 wherein said elongated memberis further provided with an integral channel formation defining an eavestrough.
 13. A building construction as defined in claim 6 wherein saidelongated member extends generally horizontally and said two side facesare on generally opposite sides thereof and arranged to engage saidpanel members extending angularly downwardly and outwardly therefrom,said elongated member defining a roof ridge and said panels comprisingroof panels.